Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe (Easy Classic!) (2024)

Last Updated on: November 22, 2023

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This stuffed bell peppers recipe is a classic comfort food dish made with rice, ground beef, a few savory seasonings, and topped with tomato sauce.

Not only are stuffed bell peppers a nostalgic meal, but it’s also on the fancier side!

But just because it’s fit for a king doesn’t mean it requires a top chef to make it. This recipe is actually incredibly easy to make!

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Why You’ll Love These Easy Stuffed Peppers

These stuffed peppers are a flavor explosion – that’s why.

Plus, you just can’t say no to it.

Tender bell peppers loaded with perfectly seasoned beef and rice? That’s simply irresistible.

They’re totally customizable, too. So feel free to throw in your favorite veggies or switch up the spices to suit your taste.

With this stuffed pepper recipe, you can enjoy a satisfying meal wherever life takes you.

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Ingredients

Whip up delicious homemade stuffed peppers using these simple ingredients:

  • Green Bell Peppers – They act as your natural bowls, holding all the yummy filling. They roast up nicely, adding a sweet and tender contrast to the dish.
  • Ground Beef – This is your main protein, providing a rich and hearty flavor to fill up those peppers.
  • Long Grain White Rice – It absorbs all the delicious juices and flavors from the beef and sauce.
  • Tomato Sauce – This adds a saucy, zesty layer, tying all the ingredients together beautifully.
  • Worcestershire Sauce – Just a little goes a long way, adding a deep, savory umami kick to the filling.
  • Salt and Pepper – For perfectly seasoned stuffed peppers.
  • Garlic and Onion Powders – These aromatic spices enhance the overall flavor, giving that classic, home-cooked taste.
  • Italian Seasoning – This brings a herby touch to the dish, rounding out all the flavors with a hint of Mediterranean flair.
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How to Make Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef

Ready to make these epic stuffed peppers? Here’s how you do it, step by step:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Cook the rice. Boil rice and water in a saucepan, then simmer for 20 minutes.

3. Saute the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked, then drain excess liquid.

4. Hollow out the peppers and place them on a baking sheet.

5. Make the filling. Mix the rice, beef, tomato sauce, and seasonings in a bowl.

6. Stuff the peppers with the prepared filling.

7. Pour the topping – a mixture of tomato sauce with Italian seasoning.

8. Bake for 1 hour, basting every 15 minutes.

9. Enjoy your delicious homemade stuffed peppers!

Tips & Tricks

Follow these tips to make your stuffed bell peppers even more fantastic!

  • Mix up the pepper colors. I use green bell peppers but feel free to experiment with red, orange, or yellow peppers for a sweeter taste.
  • Cover the dish with foil. This helps lock in moisture, keeping the bell peppers moist.
  • Bake the pepper tops for garnish. Don’t discard the tops! Instead, bake them with the peppers and use them as lids for a fun presentation.
  • Season the beef as you sauté. Add the seasonings directly to the beef while browning it for more flavor.
  • Sprinkle basil and oregano. Before baking, top the stuffed peppers with a bit of basil and oregano. This adds an extra layer of flavor.
  • Use fresh garlic and onion. If time permits, skip the powders and use the real thing. It’ll boost the dish’s aroma and flavor.
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Stuffed Pepper Variations

Switch up this stuffed pepper recipe with these fun variations.

  • Go lean with ground turkey. Replace the beef with ground turkey to lighten up your meal without losing any flavor.
  • Spice it up. If you love some heat, add chopped jalapenos or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
  • Try orzo. Swap the rice for orzo, a small pasta that adds a fun and different texture.
  • Add some sausage. Mix in crumbled sausage with the beef for an extra layer of savory flavor.
  • Go vegetarian. For a meatless option, fill your peppers with a mix of black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes.
  • Cheese it up. Top your peppers with shredded cheese before baking, or stir some into the filling for gooey goodness.

How to Store Stuffed Bell Peppers

Got leftovers? Here’s how to store them.

To Store: Refrigerate leftover stuffed peppers for up to 4 days.

To Freeze: Place the cooked and cooked stuffed peppers in a freezer-safe container, cut side up. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.

To Reheat: Thaw frozen stuffed peppers in the fridge overnight. Then reheat the peppers for 1-2 minutes in the microwave or in the oven for 10 minutes at 350.

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What to Serve With Stuffed Peppers

Since this meal is on the hearty side, stuffed peppers are best paired with something light.

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  • Creamy Broccoli Salad. A fresh and flavorful salad that adds a nice contrast to the stuffed peppers.
  • Panda Express Super Greens. A medley of kale, broccoli, and cabbage, this side balances out the rich dish with its freshness.
  • Ina Garten Mashed Potatoes. Creamy mashed potatoes make for a hearty and delicious accompaniment.
  • Baked Asparagus: Quick and easy, these add a nice crunch and a burst of freshness on the side.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Can You Make Stuffed Peppers Ahead of Time?

You sure can. Just follow the recipe steps, but don’t add the cheese on top yet.

Refrigerate the peppers until it’s time to cook them.

Top with cheese and bake, adding 10 minutes to the cooking time.

Can Stuffed Peppers be Made in a Crockpot?

Absolutely.

Grease the bottom of your Crockpot or slow cooker and place the filled peppers inside.

Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours, depending on how big your peppers are.

Top with cheese at the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Do You Have to Cook Peppers Before Stuffing Them?

No need to pre-cook the peppers; they’ll soften in the oven.

But if you like yours extra soft, you can give them a quick boil.

More Family Dinner Ideas

Stuffed Pork Chops
Paula Deen’s Meatloaf
Easy Crockpot Taco Soup
Dorito Casserole

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Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

Course: DinnerCuisine: American

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour

Calories

259

kcal

Stuffed bell peppers are a classic comfort food dish made with rice, ground beef, a few savory seasonings, and topped with tomato sauce. Whip up this easy recipe tonight!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef

  • 1/2 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)

  • 1 cup water

  • 6 green bell peppers

  • 2 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

  • salt and pepper to taste

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Place the rice and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and cook for 20 minutes.
  • In a skillet, cook the beef over medium heat until browned.
  • Cut out the tops of the bell peppers. Clean out the seeds and any membranes. Then, arrange the peppers in a baking dish with the hollowed sides face up. (If needed, you can slice off the bottom so they stand upright.)
  • In a bowl, combine the cooked rice, browned beef, 1 can tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, onion and garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Fill each bell pepper to the top. In a bowl, mix together the remaining tomato sauce and Italian seasoning. Pour as a topping over the stuffed peppers.
  • Bake for 1 hour in the preheated oven until the peppers are tender. Baste each pepper with sauce every 15 minutes in order to keep it moist.

Notes

  • Cover the dish with foil to keep the peppers from drying out.
  • Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 259kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 68mg
  • Sodium: 478mg
  • Potassium: 799mg
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Calcium: 26mg
  • Iron: 16mg
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Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe (Easy Classic!) (2024)

FAQs

Should I cook my bell peppers before stuffing them? ›

You can also pre-cook them in the oven before they're filled. Preheat your oven to the temperature recommended by the recipe, place them in the oven until they are tender, then fill and return the stuffed peppers to the oven for the remainder of the cooking time.

How do you get the most flavor out of bell peppers? ›

Try adding basil, chives, cilantro, coriander, cumin, curry, garlic, marjoram, or rosemary to you bell peppers when cooking for more amazing flavor combinations. Top them with cheese. Sautéed bell peppers are amazing with a little added cheese and can really elevate their flavor and presentation.

How do you keep stuffed peppers from getting soggy? ›

How to Prevent Watery Peppers
  1. Pre-cook Peppers. When you bake peppers that are not pre-blanched or cooked, it is normal that they release their natural water – which can be easily avoided by pre-cooking beforehand. ...
  2. Use Leftover Rice. Does this tip sound familiar to you? ...
  3. Save Cheese for the Topping.

How do you cook bell peppers so they are soft? ›

Remove seeds and ribs from peppers; cut lengthwise into strips and halve crosswise. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add bell peppers and onion; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until peppers are just tender, about 10 minutes.

Why do you boil bell peppers before stuffing? ›

If you bake peppers this way, they will take longer to cook and will hold their shape better. If you blanch the peppers and stuff them with raw ingredients, they could become too soft and fall apart during baking. So it's easier to stuff blanched peppers with an already-cooked mixture.

Why are stuffed peppers bland? ›

The problem stems from the common practice of boiling the peppers to start. The goal is to tenderize them before they're stuffed and baked, but generally the poor fellas are over-boiled, which results in their tendency to fall apart and, as noted, be flavorless.

Why are my stuffed peppers bitter? ›

In addition to not getting enough water, some other possible causes of bitter peppers are: Ripening: Peppers grow sweeter as they ripen and turn from green to red, orange, yellow, or purple. For the sweetest peppers, be sure they're fully ripe before picking.

Which color bell pepper has the most flavor? ›

Red bell peppers are the sweetest of the bell pepper varieties while green peppers will taste more bitter because they are in their less mature and unripe forms. For this reason, slicing and snacking on raw bell peppers may be more palatable if you choose a red bell pepper, or even a yellow or orange color variety.

Why are my stuffed bell peppers watery? ›

First and foremost, it's essential to precook your peppers. Bell peppers contain more than 90% water, much of which is released during the cooking process. If you cook your stuffed peppers in one fell swoop, that moisture will release and end up in the final dish.

What goes well with stuffed peppers? ›

Even though the stuffed peppers likely contain rice, a starch, they pair very well with mashed potatoes. I also recommend a simple salad with an acidic dressing such as balsamic vinaigrette.

Why are my stuffed peppers hard? ›

If the peppers aren't tender when the cheese is melted, and the filling is hot, simply tent the pan with foil and continue baking until they are. Cut the Pepper in Half from Stem to End. When making stuffed peppers in the oven, I find splitting them from top to bottom best.

What spices go well with bell peppers? ›

While cilantro, thyme, and parsley pair well with Sweet Peppers, there are many more herb options to choose from! If you want to experiment with more fresh herbs, here are a few extra options that often taste great when added to dishes with Peppers: Basil. Oregano.

Can dogs eat bell peppers? ›

Yes, dogs can eat bell peppers as a healthy, low-calorie snack on the odd occasion. They even pack a nutritional punch! As long as you clean them beforehand and remove the seeds and core, peppers can offer a series of health benefits to your dog.

How long do bell peppers last in the fridge? ›

Refrigerating bell peppers ensures that the flavor and texture will remain, which is great because there is certainly no shortage of bell pepper recipes to enjoy. However, refrigerated bell peppers do come with an expiration date. When stored properly in the refrigerator, bell peppers can last up to two weeks.

Should you cook or raw bell peppers? ›

Eating them raw provides maximum vitamin C content, but cooking bell peppers can increase the availability of other nutrients.

Do bell peppers get sweeter when cooked? ›

Peppers' flavor and texture can be altered in a variety of ways during cooking. The natural sweetness of peppers can be enhanced through cooking, which can also lessen their bitterness and soften their texture for a more tender and palatable result.

How early can you prep bell peppers? ›

Cut peppers can keep up to 7 days this way, but it's best to use them as soon as possible. Leftover cooked peppers should be stored in an airtight container and will last 3-4 days in the fridge.

Should you cook peppers before eating? ›

Yes, you can eat whole, unpeeled red or yellow bell pepper without cooking it first. However, it is important to remember that bell peppers are a cruciferous vegetable and like all cruciferous vegetables, they contain goitrogens which can interfere with the production of thyroid hormones if eaten in large quantities.

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